Female Genital Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is usually performed on girls for cultural or religious reasons and involves the removal of parts of the external female genitalia. FGM is most common in Asia and Africa, but is performed on by religious and ethnic minority communities in the West as well. The practice predates both Islam and Christianity but is often justified by religious reasons of ensuring modesty of women by curbing their sexual drive. FGM is rarely performed by medical professionals, poses a risk to the health of the girl and has been shown to cause psychological damage.